As one of the higher-profile shows to take place in the Southern California area, the Grand National Roadster Show has held its prestige for many years. In its 57 years of running, it has achieved the honor of being the world's longest running indoor auto show. In that sense, the show is even older than some of the vehicles we have grown to love that even date past the 1950s.
With a long career of bringing automotive enthusiasts together, the show has gained the same respect as that of the classic vehicles that enter its competition. It is only as good as the crowd it brings, and with the cash prizes to be awarded to the top winners in each class, the show is guaranteed to gather the some of the highest detailed customs on the West Coast. And sure enough, the show was utterly packed with quality rides. The Los Angeles Fairplex in Pomona, California, was the hosting venue for this event, and it seemed like the massive fairground was hardly enough to fit everything. This year's show was an expanded version from the previous shows. There were six exhibit halls, and vehicles were even flooding the walkways between them.
Even though this was a show for pre-'74 vehicles, there was more entertainment than that for spectators to see. The outdoor stage between the halls was set up with several bands, including Ronny and the Classics, Surfing Safaris with Bob Fetherolf, and the Hot Rod Trio, playing melodies that would take you back in time. Also, there were special guest appearances from the Big Swag of Monster Garage and Chip Foose, the legendary hot rod designer and host of Overhaulin'. Foose also brought along his "Overlord" '56 Ford truck that was overhauled with the help of his father Sam.
Another site to see was the Suede Palace hall that featured all the cool primered customs. With the Rat rod craze in full swing, it only made sense that there was a section dedicated to the customs that sport the unfinished look. In the same building, the Pinstripers' Reunion was held, and stripers displayed a collection of artwork that went on a silent auction to benefit the Operation Safe House of Riverside, California.
In all, the show was a complete success and a big hit with anyone who has an appreciation for custom work. And there were plenty of customized classic trucks that were cleaned to the smallest of details. It was an exciting show that left us in awe.